Thomas County was created in 1825 from portions of Decatur and Irwin
counties. Georgia's 63rd county, and its county seat, Thomasville, were named
for a hero of the War of 1812, General Lee Jett Thomas. In addition to his
military career, General Thomas built the first University of Georgia building
in Athens.

Thomasville was a popular turn-of-the-century, winter resort for wealthy
Northern families. Non-residents still maintain many large estates and hunting
preserves. Many of these estates, including the Susina Plantation Inn and the
Lapham-Patterson House, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bailey White, a National Public Radio essayist and author of Mama Makes Up
Her Mind, is from Thomas County.